Sheet Metal Punches

What are sheet metal punches?

A sheet metal punch set consists of a punch, a die and a draw stud or hydraulic driver. The die is placed on one side of the sheet, the punch on the other, and the two are drawn together by tightening the stud or actuating the hydraulic cylinder until the slug is punched out.

The material is cut rather than ground away, producing a clean hole with minimal burr and very little rework.

Typical applications of sheet metal punches

Typical uses include:

• hole patterns in doors and side walls of enclosures
• openings for cable glands and fittings
• cut-outs for pushbuttons, indicator lights and connectors
• installation and junction boxes in electrical work

Types of sheet metal punches

• Mechanical punches – with draw stud driven by wrench or ratchet, ideal for smaller diameters and occasional work.
• Hydraulically assisted punches – with hand-hydraulic drivers or small hydraulic heads for larger diameters and thicker sheet.
• Punch kits – matched sets with several punch/die sizes and accessories in one case.

Benefits compared with drilling

• round, accurate holes with low burr
• less noise, dust and almost no chips
• low physical effort, especially with hydraulic assistance
• clean appearance on visible surfaces such as doors and front panels

Selecting the right sheet metal punch

When selecting a punch, consider:

• material type and thickness (steel, stainless, aluminium)
• required hole diameters and standard sizes (e.g. for cable glands)
• expected frequency of use and required working speed
• whether a purely mechanical or hydraulically assisted tool is preferred

We are happy to help you choose suitable sheet metal punches for your enclosure and sheet metal work.